Wineries & Breweries
Take a Tasty Sip of
Locally
Crafted Wines & Beers
Cannon Valley Winery, Cannon Falls
WINERIES
There has been an
amazing growth in the
number of vineyards
and wineries in
Minnesota since the
first opened here in
1978. There are now
more than 30 wineries
in the state, and they
make a great outing. In fact, several
have organized as “wine trails” to make
it easy for visitors to explore nearby
wineries. Located in scenic countryside
and river valleys, most wineries are in a
picturesque setting.
BREWERIES
The craft beer craze has
taken off in Minnesota,
with dozens of small-scale breweries
and brew pubs across the state creating
a wide variety of flavorful beers. The
venerable Schell’s Brewing Company in
New Ulm, established in 1860, and
newer Summit Brewing Company
(1986) in St. Paul both offer tours. For a
list of craft breweries, go to:
mncraftbrew.org.
In addition to the chance to taste and
purchase their wines, most wineries
offer more experiences, as well. Check
for tours, food and wine pairings, and
other special events, including live
music, festivals and during the fall
harvest, grape stomps.
The recent expansion of Minnesota
wineries is in large part due to the
development of several cold-hardy
grape varieties cultivated for the local
climate by the University of Minnesota.
Some Minnesota producers also make
wines from traditional French and
German varietals, and others specialize
in wines from Minnesota-grown fruits.
WINE
TRAILS
Great River Road
Greatriverroadwinetrail.org
Heartland
Heartlandwinetrailmn.org
Minnesota River Sips of History
Mnriverwinebeerhistorytrail.com
Three Rivers
3riverswinetrail.com
MORE on
Wineries and
Breweries
For a listing of Minnesota
wineries and breweries, go to
exploreminnesota.com